Good evening gents. A1 ZX12r owner here. Getting slightly on in my years and struggle to ride the bike for an hour or more. I'm thinking it might be time to make the jump to a 14r where bar risers and cushy seats are readily available. I'm 6' 3 and about 215 pounds. I'm looking at 2012 models and newer. Really like the green color (majority color on the bike). Any years you guys recommend? Any features? I do all my own wrenching BTW... enjoy that.

Thanks from North Texas!

* Last updated by: 71rcode on 11/26/2020 @ 8:54 PM *

I have owned a 12R for about 10 years before going over to the 14 and 14r. With the helibars on the 12R, I found it quite comfortable but then again I was younger. I used to tour it every summer, no problems. The 14 and 14R will fit a taller rider as a bit more stretched out. It can fit well with bar risers and lowered pegs if the knees get sore.
You are still on a sport bike, so age will get you sooner or later.

Both the 14 and 14R are great bikes although I would not buy a non ABS model. Here is a link to a post discussing the differences. http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=690DCB34-C19E-18F3-609C1C911503F98A I had a 14 now a 14R and both are great bikes.

I do miss my 12R but the next one will be some kind of mid weight touring bike.

I would keep both. Buy a 14 before they disappear but keep the 12 for old time's sake.

Hey thank you for the response and advice. Very cool about your old 12. They are unique bikes for sure. I looked at an absolute mint model 2012 14r...pre ABS. Calling my name. Just fit like a glove. UPDATE: Bike sold. Search continues

* Last updated by: 71rcode on 11/29/2020 @ 6:38 AM *

Well I did it. Made a deal on this low mile 2015 beauty.

Very nice. Im sure you are already a happy guy now that you know the 14R compared to the ZX12. Did you keep the 12? Classics and beautiful bike

I have the 2015 with the M4 exhaust as well. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy...

Thanks guys. Aaalou that is very cool about your bike. I appreciate the kind words guys. Looking forward to learning all about this bike. Here is my ZX12R. She's a great motorcycle and I'll miss her.

I sure miss my baby...

Wow. So nice! Anything in particular you miss about the 12?

71rcode, I am 5'9" and the 12R just fit so well. The 14R is a bit longer which is good if you are taller but a little more of a stretch for someone like me. Takes some getting used to. Also, the 12R was more "flickable" which is great if your bike trips are in the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest...

Thanks man. Those are the same attributes I suspected. Where would you put the value of my A1 ZX12R? I'm in Dallas TX. 2 owner. 15k. Needs nothing. 

Walk around/start up video

* Last updated by: 71rcode on 12/5/2020 @ 10:16 AM *

I'm 73, 5'4" tall. I've been riding my 14R for 74,000 miles. Of course it's subjective, but I find it very comfortable for long distances. I only do long rides, usually 300+ miles. I did lower it however. Huge difference due to the lower center of gravity.

71rcode, I did check out your video. Very clean and unmolested. In Canada they go for about $4.5K if in great shape. Undervalued in my opinion. Yours looks mint. I have a feeling they will start going up in price when they turn 25 years old...

Mal, great to know. Very cool about the number of miles on your bike and your age. You are inspiring sir!

Allou, I appreciate you checking out the video of my 12. I agree 100% that the value of the twelves will be going up especially for once in nice condition. I've got my bike on cycle trader now.. we'll see what happens.

Regarding the 14 I have a 2 day road trip starting Friday to go pick up the bike. Very excited about that.

<<Mal, great to know. Very cool about the number of miles on your bike and your age. You are inspiring sir!>>

Thank you sir. I've owned over 60 bikes, including a bunch of BMW's. The 14R is the best long distance ride/travel bike I've ever owned. Period. I'm waiting for the '21's to arrive. When the deals start showing up, I'll be getting one. Swap my BST wheels and add a Ti exhaust and I've got a reasonably lightweight open class bike.

71rcode that 12R looks like the one I had except for the light weight gold wheels I had on mine. I replaced it with a 1st year ZX14 as soon as they came out. I am on my 2nd 2012 14R now and 78 years young. I loved the 12 but found the 14 fits my 6'3" 220 frame better for comfort. I expect you will feel the same after riding it. My only concessions to my age on the 14 are Heli bar spacers and lowered pegs. Let us know what you think after some seat time.

Man, you guys are inspiring. Love to hear you guys are riding and rolling enjoying life. Nice! Jstewart, the risers will be mt first tweak. Cool about your 12 too.

71rcode I loved my 12R. With Muzzy pistons and his pipe + a PC and tune that thing was fast. Best I ran on it was a 9.23 at 152 in the quarter. That was with my 6'3" 220#'s on it in 2001. It was faster than my 1st ZX14 when it was stock. I think you will like the 14R, it is a better bike in every way.

* Last updated by: jstewart on 12/14/2020 @ 8:53 AM *

That is cooking!

I also had a 2004 12R.GREAT bike.Got miles of good times on her.Bought a 2007 14R(Candy Plasma Blu,new)awesome ride.Then rebought another in 2012(Diablo Black).Totalled her in 2013,replaced with brand new 2013 in Gold Blazoned Green(insurance wrote it off).Really good bikes.You'll love it.But I do miss the 12.
@Ahhlou..Mine was that same design...in Silver.Yep...excellent bike.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/17/2020 @ 9:07 PM *

Yes it was cooking. In 2002 I put it on a Dynojet dyno here before leaving for Daytona and it made 196 RWHP. Took 2nd place in the dyno horsepower shootout in Daytona with 189 RWHP on a Superflow dyno. I think it would have run two tenths faster with a good lighter rider like Terron Babbage who rode my 2012 14R (Louisville Slugger the Brock's project bike) to a best 1/4 of 8.81.

I rode the 12 back in the day, seat was torture but ergos not bad.

My 14R has aftermarket seat, triple bars and I can ride all day long no problem. Stock, no way.

BB

Mal
60 bikes! That’s awesome!! My wife and friends give me grief as my ZX 14 r is my 23rd bike. I’m a part timer compared to some of you!

OP, enjoy your new 14, ride safe.

JB